Sunday, July 1, 2007

In Between Dreams

Its Still Sunday and I needed an official rest day. Tomorrow is going to be a busy work day especially since I didnt ever get around to doing the work that I was hoping to do tonight. I am glad its July and I am looking forward to Celebrating the 4th of July in stlye. I dont know what I will do but I imagine I will be going out with Tracy and Bryant and maybe some other people as well.

I have been experiencing a vast amount of weird dreams. In some dreams I am talking Korean but can't remember a lot when I wake up. I am also a Hero where I am doing miracle things. Strange I know but thats how dreams work.

I have also had feelings where I still believe I am in America and not actually in Korea. Sometimes I still think I am in America until I look out the window to the sounds, smells and sight of Korea.

**Traffic is continuous and I am surprised that the Taxi drivers operate throughout the night. Korea never sleeps. Throughout the night one can easily hear the honking of a taxi, the brakes of a bus or any other car of course.

Asia has a strong work ethic and desire to succeed. In order to be able to support the family people take on many responsibilities and thus have many obligations. Unlike, America where on the weekend we are free to drink and watch movies all the live long day Korea and the rest of Asia works or fullfills obligations 24-7-365.

The korean writing is everywhere naturally. Thus it has prompted me to learn Korean.


Dreams carry me throughout the rest of the day as well. In the mornings it is my time. I listen to my music on my computer and do things that I enjoy and that I am more or less accostumed to. When I am at the Academy I am teaching English and have found a rhythm of which I am comfortable.

In the evenings, it is slowly but surely becoming my time to learn the ways of Korean. For example, last night I wandered the streets aimlessly looking for a quick dish and a beer. I passed many restaurants but I wasn't getting any good Vibes.

I felt like I would be stared at and talked about behind my back. That's why I want to say Please dont ever talk about Foreigners in any deragatory sense. If they are in your country they have a particular reason and probably could use your help. I also didnt want to be the only person in a huge area with no one to talk to. I know that sounds pathetic but for now thats how it goes.


As I said my dreams Asia and America encapsulate my life. I am needing to figure out a new option after Gumi. My life in Gumi will end in exactly one year. Seriously thats not long and I am sure it will take a few more blogs to discuss this concept (life after Gumi).

My mind is flooded with many different thoughts. I am not at all certain what I will end up doing either. I have desires to continue my teaching career and pursue a life in Japan or Taiwan.

I know how to speak Spanish, eventually I hope to know Korean, Japanese and Chinese. I think if I could go to a University in Taiwan and work on my Teaching and Language skills that would be another option.


Right now I am satisfied just dreaming and awaiting my future with open arms.

My life in Gumi is going great. It is possible that I could even stay here for longer than a year.
I can think of plenty of reasons to continue my teaching here in Gumi.



This Blog will be continued later on....

There's Always more than what first Meets the Eye

Sunday!
I think Sunday's are the best Day of the week for me. I don't work and I am free to do whatever I can. This is more or less my first full Sunday in Gumi-city Korea. I dont have to go on any business trips for awhile longer.


I got up pretty late. I shouldn't allow myself to sleep in until 11 but sometimes I guess it will be ok.


First thing I had to do before going out was clean my spacious place. I am happy my boss wasn't here last night, just because I would've hated to having him see the mess we made last night.


After getting my house cleaned I met up with Christina at 12. My time in Gumi wouldn't be as wonderful if it weren't for Christina. She's such a Sweethart and I enjoy being with her so much.

We went and saw the movie "Transformers." I remember when my brother, cousins and I used to play with them when we were growing up. The movie was pretty good a little corny but still ok. Korean theaters are just like the ones in the States but I think personally the special effects were better. I couldn't hear after the movie and I also think that during the movie I was apart of the scene.

After the movie we went to get some snacks. I had some shrimp with rice and she had some spicy rice dish.

We had a great time! Christina has helped me get through so much here in Korea. We had wonderful conversations about our pasts as well as what we hope to do in the future, and truthfully there is always more than what first meets the Eye. I am turning over new leaves here and its largely due to my time spent with Christina.


I want to learn Korean and take up some new hobbies here such as Ping Pong and basketball.

i dont know how successful I will be but I believe I have a knack for languages and think that I should devote more time to pursuing this nuance. I need to continue to get more focused here and re-examine my priorities/goals.


So, its now 5:30 and the day has gone by so fast. Its 1:30 am Sunday Morning back home and I need to go do some more preparation. I think I may write some reports and or some more blog entries.

Mart Hopping

So, its finally the weekend. I can relax and catch up on sleep and other important endeavors. Well, Welcome to Korea a place where I am continuously finding myself with things to do.

I worked for 6 hours today. I had four good classes and I think I am ready for the weekend and to begin anew on Monday.

I had some Dongas for dinner again its slowly becoming my favorite.

Later that night my American constituents and some of our Irish or Canadian counterparts came over for some late night drinking ....again.

We wandered the streets of Hyung-gok Dong area looking for Marts. This is a cheap effective way to drink. We had a few beers along the way until finally coming back to my place.

My house is going to be popular simply because of its size. I have 3 beds, a rooftop, a patio overlooking the city and a huge living room. To people who know me in Missoula this is going to be a shock but just like my house was the second International House in Missoula its going to be the Foreign Haven here. haha.


So, I finally made it to bed around 3ish. I am now starting to have some weird dreams. I am having thoughts of me speaking a foreign language Korean, Japanese, Spanish or otherwise and I am also believing myself to be still in America until I wake up and the everything is so sureal.


So, Sunday Morning.....another story....

Friday, June 29, 2007

Irish Girls, Hite and Teaching

Last night I went to another foreign party. It was a good time. I met some nice girls from Ireland and was with Bryant and Tracy.


I had to work until 9 so I wasn't able to spend too much time out last night. Takng a Taxi at night is kind of expensive. As I said before I am getting used to the Korean system. Taxi drivers are generally so impolite. Korea works on a city district system so for example i live in
Hyung-gok dong all I need to say is Lotteria (korean Mcdonalds) and Hyung-gok Dong and I arrive to my Academy.


After a night of drinks with the Irish lasses and Bryant and Tracy it may appear that I will have a gathering at my place. I love Irish/British accents. just thought I would throw that out there.

We sat on the roof top and enjoyed the quiet city night. For a Friday night it was quiet and surprisingly not rainy.

I am teaching again today in about 2 hours.I have five classes and can't wait until its over.

I am glad that its the weekend ~I need some time to unwind and think about my goals for Asia. I am really behind in a lot of personal matters or at least thats how I feel.

Everyone in Korea including the Irish girls were surprised that I am left handed. Being left handed has its perks...Its rare. I also gave a lecture about Blood Type....A Japanese Doctor links your blood type to your personality. I find that interesting and would like to study that a little bit more.


Some interesting foods that I may or may not have mentioned....

I had raw tuna with raw egg in japan. Ramen noodles both in Korea and Japan are much better than in America. My diet has taken a raw turn and also I have eaten food i never thought I would. I suggest trying Raw horse.



Anyways this entry isn't going as i planned. I had a blast last night. WE talked about Asia and just world travels. So far I haven't had time to think about going home or missing home...I hope that it doesnt start but occassionally I do miss home. I will be in touch again soon.

After tonights job is finished I will be back here.....More wild adventures to follow.

I still hope for a motorcycle ride again....

Thursday, June 28, 2007

In the Swing of things, and white hair

I have been back for two days now.My excursion to Japan is just a dream, where I am looking forward to the next Dream...Hopefully a trip to Taiwan. I am seriously thinking of weekend getaways once I have money. I am waiting for pay day, which is on the 12th. This is where my Missoula experience comes in handy. I think i need to subsist on Ramen and other very cheap foods for just two more weeks. Once I get money I will be able to live well.

MY computer is up and running so after tomorrow I will have internet. I had to buy a 30 dollar converter but my boss will give me money in advance if I need it.

A note about Asia-
Unlike America the term friend is not used loosely. This concept has both positive and negative results. My boss and I are friends therefore he will do anything he can in order to make sure I am doing well and alright. When it comes to money and or feeding a friend, its like family. My boss has offered me money but I really dont want to accept because I have never liked being in debt. I dont like the feeling of obligation.

When I meet other people its been hard to talk to random people on the street. Helping a Foreigner or going out to make friends is rare.

Anyways back to me and Korea.
I am making my kids laugh and they seem to enjoy me. Atleast my classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

I want to beat my kids on MWF because they are so insolent and disrespectful. Discipline isn't my area of expertise but I may be getting better. I unfortunately was put into a fit of rage after I had 3 classes back to back and all of which wouldn't listen. I yelled at them and even got them to shut up for 5 minutes but they didnt take me seriously. There was nothing funny about my expression or tone either. I think its because they dont understand English very well, pretty much at all they dont care what I say or do.

Everyday its an adventure where I am not sure whats next. I know tomorrow is my day to get angry. unfortunately. If Christina wasn't here helping me I dont know what I would do.

Tomorrow I am having lunch in the office with Christina and I believe I am going to see a movie this weekend. I was thinking of making a dash to Seoul but I dont have much money to spend for a couple weeks.

My classroom is reminiscent of my days in Wisconsin when I was with my campers. Often I do miss those days. Towards the end I was getting white hair in Wisconsin and I am hoping Korea doesn't give me that same result.


Its been almost two weeks and pretty soon I am going to need to think about the next step in my life. JAPAN, TAIWAN, somewhere else back in America etc.

Japan was wonderful to me on so many levels. If it wasn't so expensive I would think about working there.

Anyways, I gotta go...

Time flies.

I should have some pictures of Japan and Korea soon.

Its raining again and I need to prepare for work tomorrow.

Talk soon

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

So I just got back from Japan where I had the time of my life.

I had to go get my Working Visa in Fukuoka and so my boss told me at the last moment I was going to be leaving for Japan on Sunday.

I didnt really pack to much. Some money and the clothes on my back.

Saturday
I went with Christina to Busan. We took the train there. During the trip we played games and ate some food. I am glad that I had company. She helped me make sure I got to my destination -Busan Ferry Service.

Japan-Tall Building, Very Metropolitan and many modes of Transportation.
In Japan I took the train, a bus, the subway, a car, and a Taxi as well as the ferry.

My friend (TOMODACHI)JUN had given me instructions on how to meet him in Kumomoto.

I had to take a taxi to the bus station, and then a bus to Kumomoto. I left Korea at 6 am and arrived to Kumomoto at 3. I hadn't had any time to eat. Jun told me specifically to meet at the bus station but I was so hungry and confused that I got offa few stops to early. I had some people call Jun in McDonalds to give him the directions to find me.

Jun found me! He drives a nice sports car so we cruised around in that! Kumomoto is a wonderful place. It is the perfect size. During my time with Jun we went to a Mexican restaurant, Sang Karaoke, met up with another friend of mine-Atsushi, and went to a Japanese restaurant.
Jun also took me to Kumomoto castle. Unfortunately I didnt take any pictures because it was raining. Its a Monsoon here.
I tried Raw Horse later that night. I highly recomend it. Jun, my Ni-san (Brother) treated me to the entire evening. The horse meal cost 80, 000 yen which is more or less 80 dollars. YEs, I am eating and living like Royalty~at times. Japan was a premature vacation.

We also met my other brother Shogo but unfortunately we were only able to visit for an hour.

Reiko, my japanese mother took me under her wing. Around midnight we left Kumomoto and made our way to her house in Tamana.

Her house is very quaint. It is also very traditional. Buddhist statues, bamboo curtains, and sliding walls. I loved it. I am going to go back to her place sometime.

Monday
After going to bed at 2am we had to get up at 7 in order to get to Fukuoka around 10. I had to get my Visa issuant number dropped off. The rest of the day was sightseeing...

Reiko was with a friend who doesn't speak english. I really liked her friend though she was so nice to me. They would talk in japanese and after half a day I began to understand what they were saying. She was really worried that I wouldnt be able to find my way around japan alone and made sure I understood everything that Reiko told me to do. Mothers~ they tend to worry, and thats why they are loved among other reasons.

My Karaoke Experience

WE went to a restaurant and had some biru (beer) and Sake. I met yet another friend I knew in Missoula Yuki Tonaka. I didnt know him in Msla very well, but we knew each other. I will see him again if I go to Japan.
We sang a lot of Karaoke.

I did mostly Beatle Songs- In my Life, Yesterday and Let it Be. I also did a song that I dedicated to Pei-chen (Reiko and I both know Pei, as does Yuki and her friend Tomoka? gomenasai. ) anyways that song was MY GIRL by the Temptations.

I love Karaoke.

Yuki and I sang Let it Be and Yesterday together.

Tuesday in Japan....
This was the day I was on my own for at least half the day.

I had to take the Subway alone and go get my visa. The Subway is easy to use. I got around the city and HAkata Eki (bus station) using broken Japanese.

Personally I think I should've gotten a job in Japan because I dont know Korean, not yet.

I will tell more about this day later.


After getting my Visa I changed my departure schedule. I left Japan at 2pm. I arrived in Busan at 6.

I ended up helping a wonderful Japanese lady with her luggage. She treated me to some beverages and gave me a ride from her Ni-san (brother) to the train station. I am eternally grateful.

I bought myself a ticket and am now familiar with the train system. I ran past the vast amount of people and made it to the train. When I bought my ticket I only had 3 minutes to get to the train. For not speaking the language and not knowing Korea yet I was happy to be on that train and ready for Gumi.

I got to Gumi just wanting to take Christina out to dinner and writing some messages. I am happy to see her again.

Christina and I had Tongus(fried Pork) and here I am.

I am happy to be back in Gumi after such a great time!

I will write more about this later but I have had my contacts in for3 days, been in 2 countries, 5or 6 different modes of transportation and am mind boggled that I can speak Japanese well enough to get by.
more later

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Polar Express

Let's begin by saying I love my co-worker Christina. She is amazing and a wonderful friend. She takes care of me.

Today, I had 4 classes, which went well and immediately left for Busan.

Christina and I went together. She is spending the weekend with her family and accompanied me on the train.

In route to our destination we took the BUS system. The bus was an interesting experience. We had to hang onto the railings because the bus was already full of passengers. This is going to take time for me to get used to. Once we got to the train station I got some more money for my trip by using my Visa Travel Card.
We got on the train with just a minute to spare. Christina and I played phone games and I showed her pictures of my friends and life in Missoula. (Maybe I should say ex-friends Sam? Steve? since i never hear from you...WTF???))

We got to Busan which is home to over a million poeple. Its the second largest city in Korea. Christina took me to the ferry adn showed me where I need to check in. She made sure i had my hotel room and we wil see each other back at the Academy hopefully Tuesday.

We walked through a rough place in town.....Russians and Korean gangs were out wandering the streets. Since Busan is a port town many Russians come here and are just drunk. She grasped my arm as we walked by. I am thankful none of them said anything to us. But i was ready to throw down....Montana style.

I miss Christina I need someone to take care of me since I am all alone.
Here I am in my hotel room that has a sauna, a computer and a tv and it overlooks the Ocean.

i got to go because tomorrow is a huge day. I dont even know how it will turn out. Thanks Christina for making my Korean experience wonderful and my time at the Academy great beyond words!

Nick